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TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  canadien  de  microreproductions  historiques 


\ 


'^ 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notas  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The 
to  th 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
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une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mithode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquds  ci-dessous. 


The 
poss 
of  tr 
filmi 


□    Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Coloured  pages/ 


n 


n 


Covers  damaged/ 
ouverture  endommagde 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur^e  et/ou  pelliculie 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 

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Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
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Bound  with  other  material/ 
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Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
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II  se  peut  que  certainas  pages  blanches  ajout^es 
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Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
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□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
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1  ^  Pages  d^colorees,  tachet^es  ou  piqu^es 

n    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tach^es 

I    "UShowthrough/ 
L^    Transparence 

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Qualit^  indgale  de  I'impression 

□    Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 

□    Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


Orig 
begi 
the  I 
sion 
othe 
first 
sion 
or  ill 


D 


The 
&hall 
TINl 
whl( 

Map 
diffe 
entir 
begi 
right 
requ 
metl 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  purtiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  film^es  d  nouveau  de  facon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


D 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentairec  'uppldmentaires; 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmi  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

"71 

V 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


9 

Stalls 
5  du 
lodifier 
r  une 
Image 


The  cop  /  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Metropolitan  Toronto  Librar/ 
Cenadian  History  Department 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


L'axampiaire  filmi  fut  reproduit  grdce  A  la 
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Metropolitan  Toronto  Library 
Canadian  History  Department 

Les  imagas  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  netteti  de  I'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
fiimaiie. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  Mginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  endinn  on  tha  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on,  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^^meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimis  sont  film6s  en  commen^ant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  ie  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commenpant  par  la 
premiere  paga  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  tnrminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  d6s  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — »>  signifie  "A  SUIVFtE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "F'N". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmds  d  des  taux  de  rdduction  diffirents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  if  est  filmi  d  partir 
de  I'angle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite. 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mithode. 


srrata 
to 


pelure, 
in  ck 


1  2  3 


32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

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ISCOUkSES, 


•••  »    «    J . 


DELIYERli' 


*    .        JUI^Y    23,    l8l2,'-       ^ 


# 


'*«      •         BEING  THE  DAY  APPOINTED  BV 

&s  l-HE  GOVERNOR.  O?  .MASS ACHUJirrTS 


>  •  • 


ffo*-     • 


•\ 


CASTING  AND  PRAipR,  .. 


,.^ 


■    '  Oli  ACCOWJI'fOf  TJH^ 

'-jiii  WifH  GREAT'BRITAIN. 


•  ••.  • 


.     By  SAMUEL  WALKER, 

■  fASTOR  Of  THE'SECOND  CHURCH   INMJ^NVF.ftS,  . 
<•      •  .•  •        '  • 


^-'^r^H 


'  SALEM  : 

TRJKTEP  3Y    JOSHUA   CLSIKNO. 

181,2.  ' 


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AST  DISCOURSE, 


■   .  ■    -I 


"m  •-)  \ 


<     •( 


•••••«••••!•••• 


occafion 
iferved  a' 
f  days  we 
frcumftafl- 
fld  the  judg- 
[ty  years,  we 


.^v  Fathers  and  Brethren, 

PVER  did  we  affemble  in  this  houfe 

k  the  prefent.    Though  we  have  anup: 

iy  of  folemn  fafting  and  prayer,  yet  on 

^te  found  ourfelves,  and  our  country, « 
I  of  peace  and  profperity.   We  have  H 
■tents  of  Heaven  only  afar  off.   For  t\™_  .  .        - 
l^e  gazed  with  aftoniflihient  upon  t^enes  of  ^e- 
llation  in  Europe.     We  have  feen  yf  governments 
l^r^nS/her  dties  pUxndered^ndfrnt,  her  ngh^  • 
^^rtie;  trampled  under  foot,  he^^  . 

,  war,  and  her  Mds  covered  ^blood.     But  m 
ci«emplating  thefe  fcenes£^i|#  convi^^^ 
^ere  fecure  from  thoffUPeSFwith  which  God         .    , . 
^mnger,  was  vifitirig  ti!?Ea(lern  World,  was  fome    .^  •        • 
IiI^JB&^iM^  vcmm-     This  conviaion  arofe  pzvtr..  ■ 
wlvdPP^WPation  from  the  theatre  of  war.; .  - .  •  ; 
and  partly  from  abelff,  that  neither  our  intereft,^;nclU-     .  •    . . 
nation  o/hoAor  would  require  us  ^«.^"g^Se;n  a  con  . 

teft,  which  has  fpread  diftrefs  and  rum  over  fo  large  a   ^  .       • 

portion  of  the  world.     But  alas  1  how  have  we  been ..    .  .^  ^ 

difappointed !     Our  rulers  have  plunged  us  into  war,  ..  ;.     •.-. 

fKuntry  is  called  t6  arms,  and  we  ar.  now  a  ^:, ...   Y . 

tVin  ttiat  conteft,  which  haS  convulfed  the  worlM^^•^,:. .'  .-•.  C 

jioliftied  tropes,  and  marked  its  progrefs  yith^l^H^.^"  •;•...;:.',•:•••.  .| 

ry  and  blood.  ,      •       ..','"'  /r  ^'*fX'*Jp  •  ' '"^^  •   •      I 

Though  a  ^ar  may  fometirttes  be^neceflary,  .to  de- ...^ ...        ^.  v  | 

fend  the  lives  and  liberties  of  a  people,  none,W     r-     h-t    . 


«   •■ 


a       . 


■kMriM 


3HBw^''' 


^ 


m 


i 


thofe  who  are  deftitutc  of  all  moral  pmiciple,  and  all 
regard  for  the  beft  good  of  their  country,  will  ever 
diialver  tokens  of  joy  at  fuch  an  event.  ^  is  a  frown 
heaven  on  any  nation,  and  ihouwfte  regarded 
md  and  folemn  call  to  weeping  s^  mourning. 
Is  the  moft  diftrcffing  of  all  tcmpo^  comities, 
the  war  in  which  we  are  engaged  is  attHBd  with 
iftances  peculiarly  painful.  It  was  u»«fce(6led. 
g^|K  part  of  the  people  in  thefe  NortheMfcates 
could  ill^jbelieve  the  government  would  apKl 
arms,  unt^he  melancholy  tidings  were  of 

is  war  has  been  declared,  againft  tl 
that  portion  of  the  people,  who 
from  foreign  aggreflion.     It  has  U 
e  when  an  unuiual  number  of  our  <M 
e  amount  of  property,  are  abroad,  ai 
fcthis  event  into  circumftances  of  grc 
country  too  is  deftitute  of  that  prej 
ain  the  war,  which  is  the  beft  evi*.   m 
y  return  of  peace.     Divifion  and  coi 
|>ur  councils,  and  our  country, 
loftilities  with  the  nation  from  whi< 
has  for  many  ages  ably 

"_ "  ion  we.  profefs,  aj 

the  corruptions  of  pop5!^)iPthe  one  hand,  a^pvne 
aflaults  of  infidelity  on  the  otlifir,  and  whofe 
in  fpreading  the  gofpel,  and  ^mumi  mmmi  ■  tv,vxiv«, 
it  has  been  the  glory  of  our  coSKry  to  imitate.  We 
have  fome  reafon  alfo  to  apprehend  an  alliance  with 
that  nation,  which  has  fhown  herfelf  the  enemy  of  Li- 
berty, of  Juftice,  and  true  Religion ;  whofe  influence 
is  poifon,  whofe  friendftiip  would  be  death, 

Impreffed  with  thefe  confiderations,  what  reafon 
have  we  for  fafting  and  prayer  !  After  a  declaration 
of  war  againft  Great-Britain  was  announced^  the  pub- 
lic mind  was  much  agitated,  and  no  intimation  hav- 
ing been  given  of  a  National  Faft,  our  excellent  Go- 
vernor, at  the  requeft  of  the  Houfe  of  Reprefenta- 
tives,  and  by  advice  of  his  Council,  appointed  this 


nounced. 
neral  voi 
fufFefed 
place  at 
zens,  and 
are  thrown 
hazard.     O 
ration  to  ma 
to  en  lure  a 
tention  perva 
are  engaged  in 
we  defcended, 
tained  and  fupp 


fp3j 


«M 


,  and  all 
vill  ever 
a  frown 
egarded 
)urning. 
mities. 
with 
aed. 
ates 
to 


i\ 


in- 


Porld, 
te.  We 
ice  with 
ny  of  Li- 
influencc 

t  reafon 
claration 
the  pub- 
ion  hav- 
llent  Go- 
prefenta- 
ited  this 


c^Kn 


•  "'^ 


day  for  publicfffing  and  prayer  throughout  the  Com- 

monwealtn.  .  /•l 

My  bretMpi^  the  duty  is  important  and  fol 
and  who  w^&egleft  it,  that  fears  God,  and  love 
country  ?    Whatever  may  be  our  profeffions  c 
tachment  t#the  land  that  gave  us  birth,   if  we 
no  difpoMon  to  look  to  Heaven  for  affiftance^ 
lime  djiptional  calamity,  our  patriotifm  is  na 
than  jmtding  hrafs  and  a   tinkling    cymbal,  ^ 
mobs,  and  fiery  zeal,  will  only  heighten  th#»iger  of 

•"^  n  i_„i__  i-^re  God  a 

that  has 

inviclion, 

procur- 

and  by 

we  niuft 

ur  fms  and 

If  Joel,  lid 

paffage  well 


Heaven  againft  us.     We  mull  bring 
heart  deeply  affefted  with  the  awful  calai 
flBen  on  our  country,  and  under  a  folemi  ^ 
our  iniquities  tejlify  againji  us,  and  arej 
caufe  of  all  our  troubles,  in  whatevein 

itever  means  they  are  brought  upon 

mble  ourfelves  before  God,  confeffii| 
ffliploring  his  mercy.     In  the  prophej 
ftapter,  1 2th  and  1 3th  verfes,  there 

ited  to  the  prefent  occafion. 

',  faith  the  Lord,  turn  ye  even  to''%f  ivith  all  your 

'art,  and  with  fajiing,  and  w^^Mping,  and  with 

mrning  ;  and  rend  yo^rJt^jgfffmnot  your  garments, 

'  turn  unto  the  Lord  y^f^oTfor  he  is  gracious  and 

mei^ul,  Jlow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindnefs,  and  re- 

This  eamtft  calf  to  repentance,  fading  and  prayer, 
was  given  to  Judah,  at  a  time  when  their  country 
was  in  imminent  danger.  Their  fms  had  provoked  the 
difpleafure  of  Heaven,  and  God  was  about  to  vilit 
them  with  defolating  judgments.  By  a  vaft  multi- 
tude of  locufts  coming  on  the  land,  darkening  the 
heavens  by  their  immenfe  fwarms,  and  fpreading  terror 
and  defolation  through  the  country,  is  reprefented  the 
invafion  of  the  Chaldean  army,  and  the  diftrefs  and 
ruin  which  would  attend  it.  Read  the  eleven  firft 
verfes  of  this  chapter,  and  you  will  find  an  awful, 
but  faithful  pidure  of  the  calamities  of  war  5  a  pic- 


msmmummmmmiaBti 


I 

II 


ntcnance  to 


tui^,  wliicli  Kiay  well  caufe  every 

turn  p^s^  and  every  heart  to  quake, 
view  of  this  approaching  judgm 
t  to  do  ?    Were  they  to  refign  thi 

sre  of  their  deflroyers  ?   or  roulk 

ely  for  protedion  on  an  arm  of  Ji|i  ?     Either 
(fe  meafures  alone  would  have  cvincinl  a  degree 


what  was 

'elves  to  the 

forces. 


eir 


)idity 


of 

of 

ment 

nation 

fervent  fu 

judgment 

or  of  bei 

In  t 
of  this 
tance  and 
or  removi 
manner  ir. 

Sin  is  the 
man  will  que 
iniquity  by  a 
bring  upon  t 
brethren,  I  fet 
exhorted  you 


and  atheifm,  deferviog  fevereffcaftife- 


'he  Lord  by  his  prophet  called  upon  tHpvhole 

iturn  to  him  by  failing,  and  wee{a%,  and 

ition,  as  the  only  means  of  averting  the 

ich  were  hanging  over    the  country, 

ered  from  their  fatal  eflPefts.        ,  i 

fcouxfe,  I  ftiall  mention  fome  of  the  -im 
ihew  that  turning  to  the  Lord  by  repeg 
^r  is  the  principal  means  of  nreventii^ 
national  calamities,  and  point  out  tJ^ 
ch  this  duty  is  to  be  difcharged. 
of  all  fuffering.     This  fentiment 
;  yet  how  few  are  reft  rained  froni 
iideration  of  the  miferies  they  ma| 
country  !     On  our  annual  fall, 
you  the  fins  of  this  nation, 
0od  by  repentance 


prayer.     I  warned  you  tlR j^ments  were  prcpaMng 


for  us,  and  that  if  we  went  odM  our  fniquid^  God 
would  vifit  us  for  thefe  things, %ii*iNliiiliii!Sroul  on 


fuch  a  nation  as  this..  We  are  a  people  laden  with 
iniquity.  This  land  has* been  greatly  profpered,  and 
we  have  become  opulent  and  powerful.  Perhaps  no 
nation  was  ever  laid  under  higher  obligations  to  God, 
.than  the  people  of  thefe  United  gtatcs.  But  how  un- 
grateful have  we  been !  How  many  and  how  provok- 
ing are  our  fins  !  No  part  of  our  country  is  fo  mo- 
ral, and  attentive  to  chriftian  inftitutions,  as  New- 
England.  Yet  what  crying  fins  prevail  among  us ! 
What  abundant  caufe  for  fafting  and  prayer  do  we 
fee  among  ourfelves !  And  if  this  be  the  moft  moral 
part  of  the  country,  what  ftiall  we  fay  of  the  reft . 


\ 


\ 


lance  to 

'hat  was 
es  to  the 
r  forces. 
Either 
a  degree 

•aftife- 
w^hole 
>ii%,  and 
rting  the 
country, 

■  the  fini 

>y  repeal'" 
jventii^ 
:  out  ti 
d.  ^ 

iment  ii| 
ned  fioi 
hey  maj 
fall, 

tion,  _ 
mce  Ad 
3rcpwng 
li^God 
ItouI  on 
den  with 
'red,  and 
srhaps  no 
5  to  God, 
how  un- 
7  provok- 
is  fo  mo- 
,  as  New- 
nong  us ! 
er  do  wc 
oft  moral 
the  reft! 


Take  a  furvc^  the  morals  of  the  people  tlirotigll  the 
Union,   and   Ice  what  unnumbered  crimes  prgfent 
thcmfelves  m^lfifcw.     How  do  intemperance,  pro%i^ 
ty,  lying  aiflander  abound  1     What  extravag,-— 
and  luxury,  J^at  criminal  diverfions  and  ple^i 
prevail  in  fcfpr  of  our  opulent  towns !     And  wha 
norance  aui  cardcffnefs  in  refped  to  the  doarines 
duties  of  religion  every  where  abound !    DeiMpd 
infideliif  have  madc'inroads  upon  us,  and  mamMdore 
the  glimmering  light  of  reafon,  and  defpif|d#e  Sun 
of  Ridlteoufnefs.     Thefe    are   marks  o^a  degene- 
rate people.     How  far  are  people  from  bdfc  humbled 
under  the  frowns  of  Heaven  1     Multitu«iot  only 
neglea  the  duties  of  chriftianity,  but  whoJWi^^erlook 
a  fuperintending  Providtnce  •,  and  eve  " 
of  the  United  States  lately  fpent  the 
chriftian  fabbath  i'- 
ednefs  prevails  in  '  ^? 
every  good  citizet 
for  the  defence  of  . 
unft  it.     Thefe  en 


'4 


»>r» 


Senate 

of  the 

s.     Wick- 

e  duty  of 

who  are  fet 

eir  teftimony 


.mg  public  bui 
s ;    and  it 
'!:ially  of 
to  bear  ^ 

i  provolljkd  Heaven,  and 
iftrefs  ind  darknefs  have  come  upo^fcir  land.     Our 
c%meice,  one  great  fourcc  of  ou^fcUh,  is  cut  off, 
and  we  are  threatened  with  m«ie€Kous  difafters. 

The  Lord  of  Hofts  is  tile  ftfpreme  governor  of  the 
world  ;  to  him  belong  all  the  kingdoms  of  men.  It 
is  his  prer«|jj^  to  |bal  with  nations,  to  blefs  or 
punifli  themin  this  tife  as  he  may  determine.  He 
has  appointed  a  day  in  which  he  will  judge  the  world 
in  righteoufnefs,  when  every  individual  will  receive 
according  to  the  deeds  done  in  the  body.  But  as  na- 
tions will  not  fubfift  In  a  civil  capacity  in  another 
worM,  they  can  be  puniflied  only  in  this  life.  In  the 
prefent  ftate,  there  are  many  relations  between  the 
different  members  of  fociety.  They  receive  many 
mercies  in  common  with  one  another,  and  there  arc 
many  fins,  which  prevail  through  the  community, 
which  ijre  properly  national  fins.  And  when  a  peo- 
ple have  caft  off  the  fear  of  God,  aad  corrupted  them* 


«*  -"■ 


t 

fo 

they" 

and  iY^ 

nient  wit 

to  do  ? 

prevent 

the  Lor, 

tion. 

pentancc 

deliverance 

xnents  of  H* 


felvd*  it  is  the  ufual  method  of  Prov^ce  to  chaftiftf 
or  deftroy  them.  Nations  are  gencSlIy  threatened, 
U|>re  they  are  puniflied.  The  voice  uf  Providence 
dSares  to  them,  that  judgments  areMreparing  for 
-^^  that  all  who  underiland  the  figafof  the  times 
know  what  they  ought  to  do.  l^n  therefore 
louds  of  divine  anger  hang  over  ai||[^eople,  or 
Terious  calamity  has  aftually  cnmc  i^  ^anthem, 
know  their  fins  have  reached  up  t5?leaven. 
Lord  of  Hofts  is  about  to  enter  into  judg- 
,eui.  In  fuch  a  fituation,  what  are  i^eople 
'  ;xt  teaches  them.  They  cannot  hope  to 
r*nove  their  afflidions,  unlefs  they  turn  to 
h  all  their  hearts  by  fading  ana  fupplica- 
lents  are  the  punilhment  of  fin,  and  i%- 
prayer  are  the  appointed  means  to  obtain 
•om  them.  For  many  yeafs  the  judff- 
iiiciiLa  ui  xA^en  have  been  hanging  over  this  land  ; 
but  we  have&ot  turned  unto  God,  and  hence  they 
h'ave  come  do^,  upon  us  in  one  general  and  dift^ef- 
fing  calamity.  ^We  are  now  loudly  called  upon  td 
turn  to  the  L(^tt,  by  fading  and  prayer.  Thefe  arj 
the  means,  whi^  alone  can  encourage  us  that  ou-  ' 
fliaions  will  be  riiigtted  or  removed. 

The  divine  conducT:  ^#wi|ds  individuals  and  na- 
tions is  regulated  by  the  fame  principles.  All  men  are 
finners.  A  plan  of  mercy  hasten  4mM  and  pub- 
lifhta  to  the  world,  by  which  eVery  penitent  may  be 
pardoned,  and  exempted  from  the  punifhment  due  to 
fin.  Every  finner,  who  now  exercifes  repentance  to- 
wards God,  and  faith  in  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  and 
makes  fupplication  for  mercy,  is  gracioufly  forgiven, 
and  made  an  heir  of  eternal  IJfe.  In  like  manner, 
vrhen  a  goodly  number  in  a  guilty  nation  repent  and 
t  irn  to  God  by  falling  and  prayer,  the  Lord  repents 
of  the  evil  he  had  thought  to  do  to  that  people.  ^  He 
is  as  ready  to  pardon  a  guilty  nation,  as  a  guilty  indi- 
vidual. The  Lord  is  flow  to  anger,  of  great  kwidnels, 
and  delights  in  mercy, 


o  cliaftiftf 
reatened, 
ovidence 
aring  for 
the  times 
therefore 
people,  or 
them, 
aven. 


judg- 
eople 
>t  hope  to 
;y  turn  to 
L  fupplica- 
1,  and  re- 
;  to  obtain 
the  judg- 
this  land; 
ence  they 
id  dift^ef- 
i  upon  t 
rhefe  arj 
at  our 

s  and  na- 
il men  are 

and  pub- 
nt  may  be 
ent  due  to 
ntance  to- 
^hrift,  and 

forgiven, 
e  manner, 
•epent  and 
rd  repents 
sople.  He 
;uilty  indi- 
t  kiudnefs. 


leading  anc^^er  is  the  old  eftablifixed  way  of  ob- 
taining help  from  God.     This  appears  fro.ii  the  fa^ 
cred  hiftory.     In  the  reign  of  Jeholhaphat,  many  hca- 
then  nations  formed  a  league  againft  Judah,  colleaeci 
a  great  army,  and  were  in  full  march  for  Jerufalem. 
The  king  w^  greatly  troubled,  and  let  himlclf  t^eek 
the  Lord.     He  proclaimed  a  fail:  th^-oughout  all  J*i\» 
and  the  people  gathered  themfelves  to  afk  help^pod. 
The  king  himfelf  took  the  lead  in  the  pubhcjpmni- 
ties,  and  earneftly  befought  the  proteaiou  gfWeaven- 
The  people  feemed,  with  one  hc'  »■  to  unite  with  their 
king.    Their  prayer  was  heard?     neaven,  and  they  ob- 
tained an  eafy  viftory  over  their  combinediDes.   When 
the  fame  country  was  threatened  with  the  judgments  ot 
Heaven  in  the  time  of  Jofiah,  that  pious  king  fet  him- 
felf  to  feck  the  x.ord  God  of  his  fathers.     He  abohflied 
jdolatry,  and  ufed  every  means  to  etfef^a  reformation 
through  the  land.     In  this  good  work  he  was  in  fome 
mcafure  fuccefsful,  and  the  anger  of  Heaven  was  turn- 
ed awav  from  them  for  a  feafon.     When  Jonah  was 
fent  to  preach  to  the  great  city  of  Nineveh,  and  to  cry 
aeainft  it,  that  in  forty  days  Nineveh  fliould  be  over- 
thrown ;  the  people  believed  God,  ,and  proclaimed  a 
faft,  and  put  on  fackcloth,   from  the   greateft  unto 
the  leaft  of  them.     Eveti  the  king  took  off  his  robe, 
covered  himfelf  with  fackcloth,  and  fat  in  afhes.     He 
commanded  every  man  to  turn  from  his  evil  way  ;  for 
faid  he.  Who  can  tell  if  God  will  turn  and  repent  a?id  tunt 
away  from  his  fierce  anger,  that  we  perijh  not  ?    And  God 
Caw  their  works,  that  the^  turned  from  their  -'-nl  li-ay,  a^d 
God  repented  of  the  evil  that  he  had  faid  thai  he  would 
do  unto  them,  and  he  did  it  not. 

In  thefe  inftances,  recorded  for  our  example  and  en- 
couragement, you  fee  how  appoaching  judgments 
were  turned  away  from  a  guilty  people.  Prayer  and 
fafting  were  the  principal  means  of  obtaining  exemp- 
tion from  threatening  calamities.  When  an  indivi- 
dual affaults  us,  we  may  refill  or  flee  j  but  wh^n  God 
undertakes  to  deal  with  us,  fhall  we  tnink  to  Uand 

B 


1 4U  W  M  BTPM  iJPIlK-Ul'SV* 


1(5 


before  Omnipotence  ?  We  can  nelttet  deliver  our- 
felves  out  of  his  hand,  nor  efcape  his  righteous  ven- 
geance. We  can  only  flee  for  refuge  to  his  infinite 
mercy.  When  God  undertakes  to  deal  with  a  nation, 
he  will  overcome  ;  he  will  either  humble  or  deftroy. 
Obftinate  impenitence  under  the  frowns  of  Heaven^ 
therefore,  only  prolongs  mifery.  It  heightens  the  an- 
ger ol^feaven,  and  turns  chaftifements  into  extermi- 
natin^judgments. 

Jehokh  is  on  a  mercy  feat ;  he  waits  to  be  gracious, 
and  in  wrath  remembers  mercy.     He  will  hear  the 
cry  of  repentance  and  faith  ;  he  will  never  caft  away 
thofe  who4aft  themfelves  upon  his  mercy.     Hear 
what  God  fays  :   /  will  be  unto  Ephraim  as  a  lion  ;  / 
will  take  away,  and  none  Jhall  refcue  ;  I  will  ^  and  re- 
turn to  my  place,  till  they  acknowledge  thetr  offence,  and 
feek  my  face  ;  ik  their  affliaion  they  will  feek  me  early. 
Again  :  0  Ifrael,  return  unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  pr 
thou  hafi  fallen   by  thine  iniquity.     The  Lord   Ihews 
them  in  what  manner  they  muft  return,  and  then 
adds,  I  will  heci  their  backjliding,  I  will  love  them  freely, 
for  mine  anger  is  turned  away  from  him.     And  what  can 
be  more  in  point  than  the  words  of  my  text  ?    Now, 
faith  the  Lord,  turn  ye  even  to  me  with  all  your  heart,  and 
with  falling,  and  weeping,  and  mourning,  and  rend  your 
hearts, ^and  not  your  garments,  and  turn  unto  the  Lord  your 
God,  for  he  is  gracious  and  merciful,  Jlow  to  anger,  and  of 
S^reat  kindpefs,  and  repenteth  him  of  the  evil.     Hence  you 
lee  that  the  means  by  which  national  calamities  have 
been  removed  is  a  turning  to  God  by  repentance  and 
earneft  fupplication  -,  and  that  God  encourages  us  with 
the  hope  of  acceptance  if  we  thus  return  to  him.     It 
is  not  enough  that  a  few  individuals  turn  from  their 
fins,  and  fupplicate  the  throne  of  ^race.     Many  mult 
ferioufly  engage  in  the  bufinefs  ot  reformation,  and 
be  earneft  in  their  prayers  for  the  lalvation  ot  their 

country.  .  , 

But  it  is  neceflary  I  fhould  point  out  the  manner  in 
which  we  mull-  return  to  God.    This  is  clearly  mark^ 


■.  \ 


^\ 


11 


^ 


^er  our- 
us  ven- 
infinite 
nation, 
deftroy. 
Heaven^ 
\  the  an- 
sxtermi- 

jracious, 
hear  the 
ift  away 
r.  Hear 
a  lion  ;  / 

0  and  re- 
'?nce,  and 
me  early. 
God,  fir 
d  Ihews 
ind  then 
em  freely  y 
what  can 
;  ?    Nowy 
heart,  and 
rend  your 
Lordyour 
<-er,  and  of 
lence  you 
ities  have 
tance  and 
js  us  with 

1  him.  It 
rom  their 
any  muft 
tion,  and 
1  of  their 

manner  in 
irly  mark- 


ed in  my  text.     Now,  faith  the  Lord,  turn  ye  C'ven  to 
me  with  all  your  heart,  and  wiih  fajiing,  and  with  weep- 
ing, and  with  mourning  ;  and  rend  your  hearts,  and  not 
your  garments,     to  turn  to  the  Lord  u  ith  all  the  heart 
implies  a  reparation  from  all  idols,  a  renunciation  of 
every  fin,  and  fincerity  in  oppofition  to  all  hypocriti- 
cal fervice.     Many  in  the  time  of  trouble  will  difcox  er 
fome  marks  of  humility  and  concern  ;  they  may  be 
anxious  that  God  would  remove  their  afilidiojis  :  but 
their  hearts  may  be  unafFeded ;  they  may  ftill  cleave 
•  to  their  idols.     And  while  their  hearts  are  unbroken 
for  fin,  the  great  purpofe  for  which  afflictipns  are  fent 
is  not  anfwered.     Though  fuch  people  may  faft  and 
pray,  they  are  neither  penitent  nor  humble.     Hence 
God  addrefles  them  in  this  manner :  When  ye  come  to 
appear  before  me,  who  hath  required  this  at  your  hands, 
to  tread  my  courts  ?  Bring  no  more  vain  oblations  ;  incenje 
is  an  abomination  unto  me  ;    when  ye  fpread  forth  your 
hands,  I  will  hide  mine  eyes  from  you  ;  yea,  when  ye  make 
many  prayers,  I  will  not,  hear.     Wajh  you,  make  you  clean, 
put  away  the  evil  of  your  doings  from  bcfire  mine  eyes  ; 
ceafe  to  do  evil,  learn  to  do  welL     Now  inftead  of  offering 
to  God  mere  lip  fervice,  we  muft  return  to  him  with 
all  our  hearts.     We  muft  be  filled  with  felf  abafe- 
ment  and  felf  abhorrence,  with  godly  forrow  and  un- 
feigned contrition ;  our  hearts  muft   be  broken  off 
from  fin.     With  unfeigned  fubmiflion  to  the  righ- 
teoufnefs  of  God,  we  muft  earncftly  fupplicate  the  par- 
don of  our  fins  and  the  fins  of  this  nation.     This 
fliould  be  accompanied  with  fafting,  and  other  tokens 
of  humiliation.     To  abftain  from  food,  fo  far  as  health 
and  circumftances  will  allow,  is  a  fuitable  acknow- 
ledgement that  we  have  forfeited  our  moft  common 
mercies ;  it  is  fome  proof  alfo  that  we  are  fo  deeply 
engaged  in  our  religious  fervices,  that  we  cannot  fuf- 
ter  the  leaft  interruption,  not  fo  much  as  to  eat  and  to 
drink.     In  this  way  we  ought  to  fubmit  to  the  chaf- 
tifemcnt  of  a  righteous  Providence,  and  to  crucify  the 
£e£h  with  it«  alSdlons  and  lufts. 


1 


I  i 


12 


If  we  be  fuitably  afFe6led  with  our  own  fins,  and  the 
fins  of  this  land,  we  fhall  turn  to  the  Lord  with  that 
forrow,  which  worketh  repentance  unto  falvation,  not 
to  be  repented  of.     Outward  expreffions  of  forrow 
will  not  fuffice  ;  we  muft  rend  our  hearts  in  deep  con- 
trition and  felf  abafement,  firmly  believing  there  is  no 
hope  or  help  for  us  but   in  the  unmerited  mercy  of 
God.     In  this  duty  all  the  people  in  this  land,  both  in 
private  and  public  life^  ought  to  engage.  We  are  requir- 
ed to  return,  to  God  with  fading,  and  weeping,  and 
mourning.     What  exprefilons  of  forrow  and  contri- 
tion !     Ani  will  not  Judah  and  Nineveh  rile  up  in  the 
Judgment  day  and  condemn  us,  if  we  refufe  to  repent 
and  return  to  God  ?    They  repented,  when  they  were 
ferioufly  threatened  with  the  anger  of  Heaven,  and 
made  fupplicationfor  mercy.  Their  example  encourages 
us,  and  nothing  but  obfl:inate  impenitence  will  hinder 
any  from  returning  to  God.     O  !  my  brethren,  be  af- 
Jlided,  and  mourn  and  iveep  ;  let  your  laughter  be  turned 
into  mourning,  and  your  joy  into  heavinefs.     Humble  your* 
fel-ves  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  a?id  he  will  raife  you^  up. 
Join  earnefl;  prayer  with  your  repentance  and  fafi:ing, 
and  cry  to  God  for  your  country,  that  peace  and  prot 
perity  may  be  refi:ored  to  thefe  United  States. 

To  encourage  you  in  this  duty,  I  would  obferve, 
that  we  have  fome  reafon  to  think  Heaven  will  regard 
our  fupplications,  and  fhorten  the  period  of  our  trou- 
bles, 'i  hree  States  unite  in  fading  and  prayer  this 
day.  The  thirtieth  of  the  prefent  month  is  fet  apart 
for  this  important  purpofe  in  the  States  of  New-York 
and  Pennfylvania,  and  a  day  is  appointed  for  the 
whole  Union  to  engage  in  fupplicating  Heaven  in  be- 
half of  our  common  country.  Multitudes  undoubted- 
ly will  wholly  negled,  and  even  tic/pife,  thefe  reli- 
gious exerciles,  and  others  only  prevaricate  with  God ; 
yet  may  we  not  hope  that  a  large  number  will  faft 
and  pray,  and  afflid  tjieir  fouls  ?  Our  country  con- 
tains many  thoufands  of  real  chrifiiians,  who  will  hum- 
ble themlelv^s  and  intercede  with  Ood  that  his  anger 


^3t 


13 


>i 


5,  and  the 
Adth  that 
Ltion,not 
f  forrow 
ieep  con- 
lere  is  no 
mercy  of 
d,  both  in 
re  requir- 
Ding,  and 
d  contri- 
up  in  the 
to  repent 
they  were 
iveri,  and 
icourages 
ill  hinder 
vtT\^be  af-' 

be  turned 
'mble  your* 
fe  you  up, 
d  fafting, 

and  prof- 


>• 


[  obferve, 
all  regard 
our  trou- 
rayer  this 
fet  apart 
^ew-York 
d  for  the 
/en  in  be- 
ndoubted- 
Lhefe  reli- 
vith  God ; 
r  will  faft 
mtry  con- 
will  hum- 
his  anger 


may  be  turned  away  from  us.     On  thefe  days  of  faft- 
ing and  prayer  they  will  publicly  honor  God  and  reli- 
gion, afcribe  righteoufnefs  to  their  Maker  in  bringing 
calamities  upon  us,  confefs  before  him  all  their  fins, 
and  renouncing  dependence  on  an  arm  of  flefh,  alk 
help  from  heaven.     When  a  nation  under  any  heavy 
judgment  perfifts   in   its  wickednefs,  its  doom  ap- 
proaches.    But  when  a  guilty  people  condemn  them- 
felves,  juftify  the  Lord,  and  look  up  to  heaven  for  help, 
their  meafure  of  iniquity  is  not  full,  mercy  is  in  ftore 
for  them.    Did  not  God  prolong  his  patience  towards 
Ahab,  merely  becaufe  of  his  external  humiliation  ?   In 
the  reformation  which  took  place  in  the  time  of  Joli- 
ah,  multitudes  turned  to  the  Lord  only  in  appearance, 
yet  his  anger  was  turned  av/ay  from  them  for  a  feafon. 
Had  Sodom  contained  but  ten  righteous  perfons,  that 
corrupt  city  had  been  fpared.    And  will  not  God  fpare 
this  great  nation  ?    will  he  not  hear  the  prayers  that 
are  offered,  and  fave  his  heritage  from  reproach  ?     O 
let  us  fearch  ourfelves,  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  un- 
to the  Lord.   Sin  is  a  reproach  to  any  people  ;  righte- 
oufnefs exalteth  a  nation.   Let  us  call  to  mind  our  own 
fms,  and  the  fins  of  this  land,  and  humble  ourfelves 
for  them  before  God.     Let  us  unite  with  our  repen- 
tance and  fafting,  earneft  prayer  to  God  for  our  coun- 
try.   Let  us  pray  that  the  calamity  that  has  come  up- 
on us  may  humble  the  people,  and  be  overruled  for 
their  good.     J^ow  therefore^  faith  the  Lord,  Turn  ye 
even  to  me  with  all  your  heart,  and  with  fafting,  and  with 
weeping,  and  with  mourning,  and  rend  your  heart,  and  not 
your  garments,  and  turn  unto  the  Lord  your  God,  for  he  is 
gracious  and  merciful,  ftow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindnefsy 
and  repenteth  him  of  the  evil. 

Amen. 


4 


y>' 


DISCOURSE 


OCCASIOHEO  BY  TH» 

IFAR  WITH  GREAT'BRITAW. 


James  iv.  i.  ^ 

Whence  come  wars  and  fightings  among  you>     Come  they 
not  hence,  even  of  your  lujis,  that  war  in  your  members  I 

War  is  the  fcourge  of  man.  the  inftrument  of  de- 
folation  and  death.  It  has  been  raging  in  our  world 
in  almoft  every  age.  Ever  fmce  Cam  arofe  againft 
his  brother,  and  ihed  his  righteous  blood,  tnj  earth  has 
been  a  field  of  battle,  and  men  have  been  the  deltroy- 
ers  of  one  another.  The  mournful  and  rumous  et- 
feds  of  war  have  been  felt  among  all  nations.  What 
is  the  hiftory  of  the  world,  but  an  affeaing  account  ot 
contefts,  of  maffacres,  of  wafting  fieges  and  bloody 

I     battles?  ,  t     4    :*. 

This  great  calamity  havmg  come  upon  our  land,  it 
is  fuitable  we  Ihould  refled  on  the  evils  it  produces, 
and  inquire  whence  it  comes.     Among  all  the  judg- 
ments, with  which  God  in  his  righteous  providence 
has  vifited  our  guilty  world,  no  one  is  fo  much  to  be 
deprecated  as  war.    What  wretchednefs  and  milery 
has  it  occafioned !   How  many  have  fallen  by  the  hand 
of  the  afTaffin  I    How  many  flourifhing  cities  have 
been  plundered  and  burnt  1     How  many  populous 
countries  laid  wafte  I     How  m.any  thoufand  milhons 
of  the  human  race  has  the  fword  of  war  devoured  . 
The  facred  hiftory  gives  an  account  of  one  battle  m 
wBch  twelve  hundred  thoufand  men  were  engaged  ;  and 
that  one  of  the  armies  loft,  in  a  fingle  day,  five  hundred 
thoufand  chofen  men.     This  is  the  greatcft  ibughter  in 
one  engagement  of  which  we  have  an  account,    buctt 


^  't 


msmmmmmmmmtmlm 


16 


«• 


an  event  muft  clothe  a  natidn  in  mourning.  Many 
hundred  thousand  have  been  llain  in  battle  and  cut  off 
by  thofe  calamities  which  war  produces,  w-thm  the  laft 
twenty  years.  The  nations  of  Europe  have  enjoyed  but 
fhort  hnervals  of  peace.  Blood  has  been  almoft  con- 
ftantlv  Sr,  on  the  land  and  on  the  fea.  More  than 
am  lion  of  rSJn  are  now  in  arm.  on  the  continent  of 
E^pe  •  and  Great-Britain  has  lix  hundred  and  forty 
fhoufand  men  in  her  army  and  navy.      1^=  inftju- 

ments  of  war  have  become  as  <=°'"7"' f  "^  "jf  °X 
as  neceffary,  as  the  implements  of  l>»/band  y.     Men 
are  trained  up  to  the  art  of  war;    they  are  taught 
from  early  life  the  ikilful  ufe  of  cannons,  of  guns  and 
of  fwordl;    and  when  they  h-e  been  long  fam.har 
with  thefe  inftruments,  they  engage  m  war  a.  tncy 
would  in  a  lawful  and  regular  bufanels. 
Tf  one  man  rifes  againft  another  and  takes  away  hxs 
lifp  whatever  may  be  the  provocation,  he  i»  a  mur- 
derer and  every  hiart  is  filled  with  horror  at  the  deed 
But  kings  and'nations  may  declare  --  f-^^^^K 
nrovrirafion   fend  out  their  armies,  and  deltroy  tnou 
Lds  of  nn'ocent  men,  and  all  is  right  i"  tjieir  own 
eyes     The  rulers  of  this  world  feem  to  confider  hem 
fdves  the  fovereign  difpofers  of  mankind  ;  that  they 
have  authority  over  the  lives  and  property  of  men, 
and  can  at  their  pleafure  commiffion  others  with  au- 
?hority  to  plunder  and  deftroy  the  human  race.    They 
WaU-e  robbery  and  murder,  in  every  form  m  which 
tlly  can  be  perpetrated,  and  think  to  walh   their 
hands   and  fay!  m  an  free  from  the  blood  of  all  men. 
"'cruel  a^d  ambitif  wars  have  been  wed 
Europe  in  our  days,  and  what  fcenes  of  defolat.on  and 
wretchednefs  have  we  beheld  ! 

But  the  blood  which  IS  Ihed    and  the  diftreis  and 

terror  which  are  produced,  are  f=":  »f^^f ''^^^£„t 
effects  of  war  on  the  morals  of  fociety.     I'e*™'-"^^' 
famine  and  fires  tend  to  reform  ratherthan  to  cor 
rnnt  mankind ;    but  war  turns  men  into  ferociou, 
iSsrand  teaches  them  to  delight  ia  blood  and  car- 


17 


;.    Many 
nd  cut  off" 
in  the  laft 
ijoyed  but 
moft  con- 
More  than 
ntinent  of 
and  forty- 
he  inftru- 
•e  thought 
hy.     Men 
ire  taught 
guns  and 
ig  familiar 
ar  as  they 

;s  away  his 
;  is  a  mur- 
t  the  deed, 
or  the  leall 
ftroy  thou- 
their  own 
fider  them- 
;  that  they 
ty  of  men, 
irs  with  au- 
race.    They 
m  in  which 
wafti   their 
'  of  all  men. 
m  waged  in 
folation  and 

diftrefs  and 
lis,  than  the 
Peftilencc, 
han  to  cor- 
,to  ferocious 
ood  and  car« 


.\ 


naffc.  War  tends  to  extinguifli  in  the  human  l^ft 
every  fentiment  of  compaffion  and  tendernefs,  and  af- 
ter  a  little  experience  in  this  bufmcfs,  people  can  Iport 
with  thofe  fcenes,  which  once  would  have  filled  them 
with  diftrefs  and  forrow.  .    ,      r     • 

Thefe  confiderations  force  on  our  mmds  the  im- 
portant   queftion,     Whence  come  wars  and  JighUngs  ? 
What  powerful  caufe  throws  the  world  into  difor- 
der,  and  fpreads  mifery  and  death  over  the  earth  ? 
To  this  inquiry  my  text  furnifties  an  anfwer  -.Wars  - 
and  fightings  come  from  the  lufts  of  men.     1  his  is 
the  fource  of  every  war  which  has  ever  been  waged 
under  heaven.     All  divifions,  contentions,  and  mur- 
ders, all  little  quarrels,  as  well  as  terrible  wars,  have 
one  common  origin,  the  ungovernable  lufts  of  men. 
This  teaches  us  why  men  difcover  fo  little  fympathy 
for  thofe  who  fufFer  from  war ;    why  they  hear  ot 
thoufands  flain  in  battle  with  unconcern; 
•  By  luft  is  intended  that  corrupt  principle,  which  na- 
turally  prevails  in  the  hearts  of  men  ;  it  is  an  exceflive 
cravinff  after  the  pleafures,  the  riches  and  honors  ot 
the  world.     This  propenfity  to  idolize  the  world  pro- 
duces  all  thofe  vices  and  enormities  with  which  the 
world  abounds.    Says  James,  E'very  man  ts  tempted  when 
he  is  drawn  away  of  his  own  lujl  and  enticed.    When  luji 
hath  conceived,  it  bringeth  forth  fin,  and  fin  when  it  tsfi-; 
nilhedbringeth  forth  death.  Man  is  a  fallen  creature.  Del^ 
titute  of  any  conformity  to  the  law  of  rectitude,  and 
abandoned  to  the  controul  of  ungovernable  appetites 
and  paflions,  he  breaks  through  all  reftramts  to  obtain 
the  obieds  of  his  defire.     People  luft  after  a  forbidden 
obiea'then  purpofe  the  gratification  of  their  defire,  and 
outward  tranfgreffion  is  the  natural  confequence.     In 
this  way  all  outward  fm  is  committed  ;  and  fin  when 
it  is  finiflied  bringeth  forth  death  as  its  legitimate 
fruit.     Here  is  the  origin  of  all  the  evils  which  pre- 
vail through  the  world.    Te  lufl  and  have  not,  ye  kill, 
and  defire  to  have,  and  cannot  obtain.     Te  fight  and  war, 
yet  ye  have  not,  becaufe  ye  afk  mu    Thefe  remarks  were 


.ii.^,  ■  -.c.  'A~.ft.'' 


vTwr^-wr-' 


oSivlv  adapted  to  the  circumftances  of  the  Jcwj, 
K    me  thU  epiftle  was  written.    They  were  di- 
V  ded  into  parties,  which  were  f"riof  Y  P^V^S  "^°? 
one  another.     Every  conviaion  of  duty,  and  pnnci- 
rie  of  equ'ty ,  were  ibppreffed  ;  the  rage  of  angry  paC 
Cns  Zcid  the  voke  of  confcience  and  reaton 
Thev  eae'-rly  coveted  honor,  and  riches,  and  power. 
Fachcartv  wiflied  to  accompliih  its  own  purpofes, 
S  pSent  increafed  its  violence,  f  J  J- /- 
excited,  and  they  imbrued  the.r  hands  «  ^h^r  nagh 
bors'  blood.     No  crime  was  too  heinous  for  th«n  .o 
commi   when  goaded  on  by  their  headftrong  paffions. 
Now  aU  this  difturbance  and  fighting  proceeded  from 

*f  hive  defined  luft  as  a  general  principle ;  the  fcnp- 
tiires  diftincuifli  it  into  two  branches, /«/Zi  ofthejtep, 
^ZfTmind-     The  former  include  all  unclean  de- 
fires    and  all  intemperance  in  eating  and  drinking; 
b^  the  latter  are  mLt  pride,  covetoufnefs  envy  and 
unbelief.    Thefe  lufts  are  denominated  ««^?:orf/y,  becaulc 
hey  continually  influence  men  to  renounce  their  alle- 
.riince  to  God,  and  trample  on  his  law.     1  hey  are 
S,^nfti^aed  by  Satan,  and  liken  men  to    um 
l^S^are  dcct.lful,  becaufe  they  induce  people  to  tl«^k 
their  happinefs  confifts  in  their  gratification.     Ihey 
T^ hurtful,  becaufe  they  eventually  pierce  men  through 
with   many   forrows,   wafte  their  conftitution,   and 
drown  them  in  perdition.  , 

The  luft  of  riches,  of  popularity,  and  powe.,  has 
defiroved  the  peace  of  man  in  every  age,and  kept  the 
tor  7in  a  Hate  of  turmoil.  The  fire  of  luft  yet  burn, 
wi  h  increafing  fury,  the  world  is  m  commot^n,  and 
ceace  and  friendly  intercourfe  among  he  nations  is 
Tot  L  be  expected  fo  long  as  thefe  ungovernable  paf- 
fions predominate  in  the  hearts  of  men. 

To  what  crimes  does  not  the  avaricious  flnrft  ot 
riches  ura-e  men  ?  Deceit  and  falfehood,  oppreflion  and 
fraud,Tlftice  and  theft,  robbery  and  murder,  ate 
y,r.A;o-<3'Vo  trrntifv  the  luft  of  wealth. 


19 


«., 


e  Jews, 
/ere  di- 
ig  upon 
I  princi- 
gry  paf- 
realbn. 
I  power, 
urpofes, 
war  was 
ir  neigh- 
them  to 
paflions. 
led  from 

the  fcrip- 
'thejiejh, 
clean  de- 
rinking ; 
envy  and 
r,  becaufe 
their  alle- 
They  are 
1  to  him. 
z  to  think 
n.     They 
a  through 
tion,  and 

ower,  has 
d  kept  the 
:  yet  burns 
otion,  and 
nations  is 
rnable  paf- 

is  thirft  of 
irefllon  and 
lurder,  ai;e 


The  defire  of  fame,  of  that  honor  which  cometh    . 
from  men,  will  difpofe  people  to  endure  fatigue,  ett> 
counter  danger  and  death,  pracliib  every  fpecies  ot 
fraud  and  corruption,   and  even  drench  nations  in 

blood.  ,     .  ,  ,      •   • 

One  man  has  no  natural  right  to  dominion  over 
another.     But  urged  hy  the  lull  of  power,  he  will  rilk 
his  life,  and  deftroy  the  reputation,  comfort  and  hap- 
pinefs  of  thoulands.     How  much  blood  and  treaiure 
have  been  wafted  by  individuals,  that  they  might  have 
dominion  over  men  !    Thofe  who  have  been  accounted 
great  men— the  Alexanders,  and  Caefars,  and  Napo- 
leons whom  the  world  have  confented  to  honor,  have 
been  indeed  the  deftroyers  of  mankind,  public  robbers 
and  murderers,  whofe  names  ought  to  go  dovvn  to 
pofterity  loaded  wich  infamy.     They  have  been  bhnd- 
ed  and  infatuated  by  the  luft  of  apple  afe  and  power. 

The  principles  of  juftice  between  individuals  and 
nations  are  not  difficult  to  be  underftood,  and  might 
be  amicably  fettled,  were  it  not  for  the  luft  of  wealth 
and  power.  And  when  nations  cannot  fettle  their 
clafliing  claims,  they  refort  to  arms,  and  fpread  ter- 
ror and  death  through  extenlive  regions,  that  they 
may  gratify  their  violent  paffions. 

Thefe  lufts,  which  occafion  fo  much  difturbance  and 
mifery  in  the  world,  war  in  our  members.     War  hrit 
begins  in  the  human  breaft ;  here  is  its  centre,  the 
feat  of  its  influence.     Men  luft  after  many  objeds 
which  interfere  with  one  another.  Hence  the  evil  pro- 
penfities  of  the  heart  mutiny,  they  raife  an  inteltine 
war,  they  prey  upon  the  foul,  and  fill  the  mind  with 
difquietude  and  confufion.     The  minds  of  men  not 
unfrequently    refemble   a  contentious   family,   or   a 
neighborhood  where  divifion  and  ftrife  prevaiL     Con- 
fcience  and  luft,  reafon  and  appetite,  fet  them  at  van- 
ance  with  themfelves.     "  One  luft  wars  againft  ano- 
ther,  as  all  cannot  be  gratified,  and  each  will  ftrive  tor 
the  maftery."     Divifions  and  quarrels  in  families,  in 
neighborhoods,  and  nations,  arife  from  the  iame  fource. 


*.--^m^f 


V 


^ 


I 


20 


i' 


!! 


The  proud  and  avaricious  lufts  of  men  interfere,  broils, 
^Htmofities  and  fightings  enfue,  and  fociety  is  turned 
into  the  very  image  of  hell.  "  Were  the  fire  of  luft 
within  but  quenched,  thefe  flames  would  immediately 
CO  out.  But  a  depravcd.heart,  like  an  unruly  tongue, 
fets  on  fire  the  courfe  of  nature,  and  is  itfelf  fet  on 
fire  of  hell.  When  thefc  lufts  inflame  the  hearts  ot 
public  charaaers,  of  kings  and  magiftrates,  they  let 
the  world  in  a  blaze ;  and  if  the  people  are  fired  with 
the  fame  paffions,  they  only  add  fuel  to  increale  the 

flame.'^ 

Thus  you  fee,  my  brethren,  that  all  the  perfecutions, 
the  maflacres,  the  cruel  and  bloody  wars,  which  have 
haraflbd   the   church,   difturbed  fociety,  and  fpread 
mifery  and  death  over  the  earth,  have  proceeded  troni 
the  lufts  of  men.     Man   having  caft  off"  the  fear  ot 
Cod,  and  rejeded  the  only  rule  of  duty,  a  holt  ot  evil 
paflions  deftroy  his  peace,  and  raifc  a  war  in  his  ioul. 
One  member  of  his  corrupt  nature  wars  againft  ano- 
ther, and  that  in  its  turn  prevails,  and  is  gratified. 
This  is  the  cafe  with  all  the  unnumbered  milhons  ot 
men,  excepting  only  thofe  whofe  hearts  have  been  re- 
newed by  the  grace  of  God.     Hence  we  need  not 
wonder  at  the  awful  crimes  which  have  abounded  m 
every  age  of  the  world  ;  we  need  not  wonder  at  the 
robberies  and  murders  which  have  been  conimitted, 
the  miferies  and  tortures  which  have  been  inflicted, 
the  fcenes  of  confufion  and  defolation  which  have 
been  multiplied  and  fpread  over  the  earth.     As  long 
as  the  voice  of  reafon  and  juftice  is  overpowered  by 
the  noife  of  contending  paflions  and  clafliing  interefts, 
this  world  wiU  be  a  place  of  divifion,  tumult  and  war. 
Having  elucidated  my  text,  I  would  caU  your  atten- 
tion to  fome  reflcdions  fuited  to  the  circumftances  of 
the  times. 

I.     The  prevalence  of  wars  and  fightings  is  an  af- 
feeing  proof  of  human  depravity. 

The  inftruments  of  death,  which  men  have  flcilfufly 

^^V^^U,  aiiU  liiU  iaVtl^C  \V«iiS,  v.iiAvAA  Ai^vw  WW**   Tr.-^^,, 


:,  broils, 
turned 
:  of  luft 
ediatcly 
tongue, 
:  fet  on 
learts  of 
they  fet 
red  with 
•eafe  the 

Ecutions, 
iich  have 
d  fpread 
led  from 
!  fear  of 
>ft  of  evil 
L  his  foul, 
linft  ano- 
gratified. 
illions  of 
2  been  re- 
need   not 
unded  in 
der  at  the 
)mmitted, 
I  inflicted, 
lich  have 
As  long 
3wered  by 
5  interefts, 
t  and  war. 
our  atten- 
nftances  of 

s  is  an  af- 

ve  IkilfuUy 

WV4A    ■»"  •■•K'^'n 


21 

in  civilized  as  well  as  heathen  nations,  arc  a  moft  con- 
vincing proof,  that  man  is  a  fallen  creature,  the  flaw 
of  imperious  paflions,  and  the  very  child  of  the  devil. 
Could  devils  themfelvcs  be  engaged  m  more  horrid 
work,  than    torturing  and  butchering   the  human 
race  ?    People  of  one  common  origin,  ot  the  lame 
language,  religion  and  manners,  like  wolves  and  bears 
deftroyinff  one  another  I     Could  innocent  beings  be 
aduated  by  fuch  dreadful  paffions,  and  tear  one  ano- 
ther in  pieces?    Can  it  be  fuppofed   fuch  creatures 
We  the  Lord  their  God  with  all  their  heart,  and 
their  neighbors  as  themfelves  ?     Would  love  to  God 
and  man  turn  people  into  ferocious  beafts,  and  mtlame 
them  with  infernal  paffions  ?     Could  holy  beings  en- 
crage  in  the  dreadful  work  of  tonure  and  murder  ? 
No,  my  brethren  ;  by  their  fruits  ye  fhaU  know  them. 
Did  the  love  of  God  reign  in  the  hearts  of  the  children 
of  men,  an  end  would  fpeedily  be  put  to  fuch  fcenes 
of  cruelty  and  death.     This  world  of  confufion  and 
war  would  be  converted  into  a  paradife,  a  region  ot 
peace  and  univerfal  benevolence.^  Do  not  the  ftrength 
of  human  luft,  and  the  early  period  m  which  children 
appear  to  be  under  its  influence,  prove  that  man  is 
born  in  fin,  that  he  is  the  child  of  wrath,  the  fervant  of 
unriffhteoufnefs  ?     In  contemplating  thefe  proofs  of 
human  depravity,  can  we  forbear  to  exclaim.  Lord, 
what  is  man  !     Fallen  from  his  primitive  ftate  of  in- 
nocence and  dignity,  he  is  funk  below  the  very  beafts. 
How  has  the  gold  become  dim,  and  the  moji  fine  gold  change 
ed  '     Standing  in  the  midft  of  a  bleeding  world,  be- 
holding the  wafte  that  fin  has  fpread  around  us,  w. 
neffinff  the  tears  of  widows  and  orphans,  and  hearing 
the  gfoans  of  the  dying,  let  us  mourn  over  the  ruins 
ofthenobleft  workof  God.  ,      ,o      r 

II.  All  war  originating  from  the  lufts  ot  men, 
muft  be  wholly  unjuftifiable.  ^  n  .- 

Thefe  lufts,  which  produce  divifion,and  fightings, 
are  direftly  contrary  to  the  law  of  God,  an  open  vio- 
lation of  the  two  great  commandmeuts  on  whigb. 


1 1 


hanff  all  the  law  and  the  prophets.  They  arc  at  vari- 
ance too  with  every  precept  of  the  gofpel.  Ali  the 
ftreams  from  a  corrupt  fountain  muft  be  of  the  lame 
quaUty  with  the  fountain.  Wars  and  fightings,  com- 
ing as  they  do  from  the  lufts  of  men,  muft  be  repug- 
nant to  ihe  precepts  of  our  holy  religion.  One  na- 
tion canuot  wage  war  againft  another  without  wa- 
King  war  alfo  againft  the  precepts  of  the  go^P/.  ^nd 
fctting  at  defiance  the  commandment  of  God,  Thou 

/halt  tiot  kill,  ,    „  '   n     rr   r  ^ 

Thefc  remarks  are  direded  wholly  againft  #«>^ 
^var,  which  one  nation  wages  againft  another,  and 
carries  on  by  offenfive  ac^ls,  by  invading  the  territory, 
or  by  feizing  the  property,  of  the  citizens  of  the  other 
nation.  The  cafe  is  far  different  withrefpea  to  de- 
fenfive  war,  in  which  a  nation  when  aifailed  conhnes 
itfelf  ftriclly  to  defenfive  meafures,  without  commit- 
ting any  ac^ts  of  offence.  A  war  can  never  be  defen- 
five on  both  fides.  For  if  two  nations  fhould  conhne 
themfclves  wholly  to  meafures  of  defence,  no  aggrel- 
fions  would  take  place,  and  in  that  cal^e  there  would 
be  no  war.  But  a  war  may  be,  and  it  generally  is, 
offenfive  on  both  fides  j  for  each  party  ads  with  the 
dciign  "  to  fee  which  Ihall  do  the  other  the  moft 

harm 

An  offenfive  >vur  .   nnot  be  juftified  upon  any  mo- 

ral  or  chriftian  principles,  or  indeed  upon  any  princi- 
ples which  are  not  fubverlive  of  al  peace  and  order  in 
fociety.  Such  a  war  can  be  waged  only  f^^"^  f^ ^^^^f 
of  pride  and  ambition,  or  to  gratify  a  fenfe  of  honor. 
Though  kings  and  conquerors  may  ofiFer  many  pleas 
to  iuftify  fuch  a  ftep,  no-  man  can  advocate  an  otlen- 
five  war,  who  forms  his  principles  and  regulates  his 
conduct  by  the  holy  fcriptures.  But  a  defenfive  war 
is  iuft  ;  it  is  unavoidable,  and  therefore  necefiary.  ^  An 
individual,  if  attacked  by  an  enemy,  whofe  aim  is  to 
take  his  life,  has  a  right  to  defend  himfelf.  1  he  fame 
right  exifts  in  a  nation. 


:  at  vari- 
Ali  the 
the  fame 
igs,  com- 
be repug- 
One  na- 
hiout  wa- 
3fpel,  and 
iod,  Thou 

[t  offenfive 
>ther,  and 
territory, 

the  other 
zdi  to  de- 
i  confines 
t  commit- 

be  defen- 
Id  confine 
no  aggref- 
ere  would 
:nerally  is, 
s  with  the 

the  moft 

[1  any  mo- 
my  princi- 
id  order  in 
m  motives 

of  honor, 
nany  pleas 
e  an  ofFen- 
gulates  his 
•enfive  war 
jfiary.  An 
I  aim  is  to 

The  fame 


23 

It  IS  important,  my  brethren,  that  we  (hould  un- 
derftand  the  charader  of  the  w?r  in  which  this  nation 
is  now  engaged  ;  and  from  the  obfervations  I  have 
made,  you  need  not  be  at  a  lofs  to  determine  this 
point.     The  charader  of  the  ivar  is  offenfive,  tt  was  not 
nece/fary  ;  hence  it  is  unju/i.     The  war  is  declared  on 
our  part,  and  is  carried  on  by  offenfive  ads  upon  the 
property  and  perfons  of  individuals.     Great  Britain 
indeed  was  fir/i  in  the  tranfgreffion.     She  has  trefpal- 
fed  upon  our  rights,  and  committed  depredations  upon 
our  property,  when  going  to  and  returning  from  the 
ports  of  her  enemy.     But  can  this  juftify  a  fyftem  ot 
indifcriminate  plunder  agaiiift  all  her  fubjeds  • 

Some  of  the  Indian  tribes  charge  th^  United  States 
with  unjuftly  taking  from  them  their  lands,  and  thus 
diminifhing  the  fource  of  their  fubfiftence.     And  how 
d-y  *hcy  feek  redrefs  ?     They  fally  down  upon  our 
thinly  fettled  frontiers,  and  avenge  themfelves  upon  a 
few  innocent  families,  by  plunder  and  murder.     Ad- 
mitting their  complaints  are  reafonable,  who  will  jul- 
tify  them  in  fuch  meafures  for  redrefs  ?    Who  does  not 
view  fuch  deeds  with  indignation  and  horror  ?     But 
mark  the  fimilarity  between  our  conduft  and  theirs, 
Great-Britain  has  taken  our  property,  and  excluded 
our  velTels  from  the  ports  of  her  enemy  ;  and  how  do 
we  feck  redrefs  ?    Our  privateers  fally  out  from  our 
ports,  and  feize  upon  the  few  Britifli  n.erchantmen 
that  a're  on  our  coalt,  who  are  no  more  chargeable  with 
the  ads  of  the   government,  than  the  crimes  of  the 
pope.   While  failing  on  the  feas,  the  common  highv^a/ 
of  nations,  in  purluit  of  a  living  for  themfelves  and 
families,  tiieir  property  is  forcibly  taken  from  theni  ; 
and  if  they  attempt  to  defend  it,  their  blood  is  fpilt. 
Where  is  the  difference  between  taking  away  the  hfe 
of  an  unoffending  man  on  board  his  veffel  upon  the 
feas,  and   deftroying  the  life  of  a  peaceable    citizen 
in  his  dwelling  on  the  land  ?    Our  mode  of  obtaining 
redrefs  indeed  is  not  marked  with  fuch  inhumanity 


\ ' 


54 

charaaerizcs  tlie  condud  of  Indians ;  but  is  not  the 
two  cafes  the  fame  ? 
_e  my  duty  to  bear  public  teftimony  a- 
gainftThe"  demoralizing  pradice  of  privateering.  Even 
Siould  the  war  be  deemed  neceiTary,  by  fome,  this 
mode  of  carrying  it  on  does  not  admit  of  juftification. 
This  is  a  fpecies  of  war  which  is  waged  againft  inno- 
cence and  juftice  ;  it  is  an  invafion  of  the  rights  of  in- 
dividuals, given  them,  not  by  human  laws,  but  by  that 
God,  whofe  the  earth  is,  and  the  fulnefs  thereof.  It  can- 
not  have  any  effed  upon  the  policy  of  a  great  nation, 
and  therefore  it  is  ufelefs  as  the  means  of  obtaining 
luftice  from  the  nation  that  has  injured  us.  Indeed, 
{he  pradice  of  furprifing  and  plundering  individuals 
on  the  fea,  is  of  fuch  a  charac1:er  as  ought  not  to  be  pal- 
liated or  excufed.  It  is  legalized  t)iracy.  And  it  is  the 
duty  of  every  good  citizen  to  endeavor  to  diicounte- 

nance  and  fupprefs  it.  r  t.    /^  i  r-^ 

Will  any  one  plead  the  authority  of  the  General  Go- 
vernment, as  a  juRification  of  the  pradice  ?  Let  it  be 
remembered,  that  the  laws  of  Congrefs  are  not  para- 
mount  to  the  laws  of  God.  Their  authority  does  not 
alter  the  moral  charader  of  any  adion.  ^  Congreis, 
howev.  r,  do  not  require  any  to  engage  in  this  buiinels ; 
they  onlv  sirant  permiffion  to  thofe  who  wifti  to  carry 
on  this  kind  of  warfare.  I  am  not  therefore  pleading 
againft  any  law  of  Congrefs,  in  condemning  the  prac- 

tice  of  privateering.  ,       .        r  u 

We  are  not  to  fuppofe  that  a  declaration  of  war  ab- 
folves  us  from  all  obligation  to  obey  the  rules  and  pre- 
cents  of  the  gofpel.  We  are  bound  to  love  God  with 
all  our  hearts,  and  our  ndghbors  as  ourfelvcs,  to  re- 
fpeft  their  perfons  and  property,  and  in  every  htuation 
to  do  to  others  as  we  Jhould  zvifi  they  Jhould  do  to  us.  Be- 
fore we  engage  in  any  fpecies  of  warfare,  vj^  ought 
fcrioufly  to  inquire,  whether  the  war  be  necrjfary^  and 
iu/i  ;  whether  we  can  engage  in  it  with  a  conlcience 
void  of  offence,  both  towards  God  and  towards  man  ; 
whether  wc  can  afiiit  in  me  war^  auu  ou^^  tx^e  ^.^  vv>,^..-. 


25 


is  not  the 

imony  a- 
ng.  Even 
ime,  this 
lification. 
inft  inno- 
;hts  of  in- 
Lit  by  that 
'.  It  can- 
at  nation, 
obtaining 
Indeed, 
idividuals 
:  to  be  pal- 
id  it  is  the 
dilbounte- 

jneral  Go- 
Let  it  be 
;  not  para- 
Y  does  not 
Congrefs, 
s  bufinefs ; 
h  to  carry 
e  pleading 
r  the  prac- 

of  war  ab- 
;s  and  pre- 
God  with 
^cs,  to  re- 
y  lituation 
1  io  lis.  Be- 
,  we  ought 
icrffary  and 
confcience 
mrds  man  ; 


of  the  gofpel— cherifh  that  meek  and  benevolent  tem« 
per,  which  alone  can  fit  us  to  live,  or  to  die. 

We  read  in  Judges,  And  the  children  of  Ifrael  inquired 
of  the  Lord,  faying.  Shall  I  go  out  to  battle  againjl  the  chil- 
dren of  Benjamin,  my  brother  ?    The  children  of  Ifrael 
wifhed  to  know  whether  it  was  lawful  for  them  to  go 
to  war  with  the  children  of  Benjamin.     They  brought 
the  great,  and  folemn  queftion  before  God,  and  wait- 
ed  for  an  anfwer  from  him.    They  feem  to  have  doubt- 
ed the  juftice  of  fuch  a  ftep,  becaufe  the  children  of  Ben- 
jamin were  their  brethren.    The  queftion  of  war  with 
Creat-Britain  we  fliould  bring  to  the  bar  of  confcience, 
and  determine  by  the  word  of  God.    Before  we  take 
any  part  in  the  prefent  war,  we  ought  to  a(k  whether 
we  ought  to  go  out  to  battle  againft  our  brethren. 
We  defcended  from  England,  both  nations  fpeak  one 
language,  profefs  the  fame  religion,  and  are  generally 
of  the  lame  cuftoms  and  manners.    Will  it  not  be  pre- 
fumption  to  a(k  for  the  bleffing  of  Heaven  on  our 
arms,  till  we  have  fatisfied  ourfelves  in  a  lawful  man- 
ner, that  the  war  is  hoi\\  juft  and  neceffary  ?  ^ 

III.     From  the  ravages  of  war,  and  the  mifenes  of 
the  world,  our  attention  is  naturally  turned  to  the  gof- 
pel of  Jefus  Thrift,  as  the  only  fource  of  light  and 
comfort.     This  is  the  only  means  of  reforming  the 
world,  and  difpofing  either  individuals  or  nations  to 
do  juftly  and  to  love  mercy.    The  chriftian  religion  is 
peace  on  earth,  and  good  will  to  men.    To  put  an  end 
to  wars  and  fightings,  the  gofpel  aims  to  remov :  their 
caufe.    It  aims  to  renew  our  hearts,  to  mortify  our 
lufts,  and  difpofe  us  tc  He  holy  in  all  manner  of  con- 
verfation.    How  highly  Jiould  we  prize  the  fcriptures ! 
How  glorious  does  God  appear  in  raifing  men  from 
the  depths  of  fin  and  mifery,  in  renewing  them  after 
his  own  image,  and  in  infpiring  them  with  fentiments 
of  peace  and  love  !  Can  a  chriftian  delight  in  war,  or 
engage  in  plundering  the  property  and  deftroying  the 
lives  of  mankind  ?    Will  he  not  be  difpofed  toaflift  in 
promoting  the  peace  and  falvation  of  his  fellow  men  ? 


'   t 


0 


«. 


26 


m 


/ 


'K'f 

%■ 

I E 
i  I 


ir 


iM-j 


I 
i 

ill 

Viii!.- 


:  s 


How  does  the  benevolent  heart  rejoice  in  the  cer- 
How  does  tne  ^^^  righteoufnefs 

■K^teTi^toi^p^^^^^^^^ 

r,  one  may  fit  -^e^  ^^^ J^^^^^^^^^    Ktan  be 
tlipre  fhall  be  none  to  moieit  mm .    x  u^"  n-u-^ri. 

Inund  tha^^^^  may  deceive  the  nations  no  more,  Chrilt 
bounajtnai:  iic  uio^  mrhulent  world  will  be 

will  reio-n  on  earth,  and  this  turDuiem.  \vui 

Sed  are  i  they  that  put  their  truft  in  him. 

Amen. 


II' I  n-  . 

•! 


% 


«« 


cer- 
fnefs 
IhaU 
eve- 
and 
in  be 
thrift 
ill  be 
Then 
fhall 
fliall 
deftly 
ofpel, 
king- 
jdom, 
people 
1  is  an 
ferve 


^. 


\ 


>««   f 


>  .^. 


t-%ji. 


*••-» 


•X 


fo  de- 
eaven. 
ig,  are 
1,  who 
od.  If 
ttering 
render 

to  the 
L  blood. 

be  at 
;  perifti 
a  little. 


i2-» 


o 


4 


A; 


